With today being the 5th anniversary of So Far Gone I figured it's fitting to return to it's place of its origin in order to clear the air about an extremely emotional day. I completely support and agree with Rolling Stone replacing me on the cover with the legendary Phillip Seymour Hoffman. He is one of the most incredible actors of our time and a man that deserves to be immortalized by this publication. My frustration stemmed from the way it was executed. The circumstances at hand are completely justifiable (on the magazines behalf), but I was not able to salvage my story or my photos and that was devastating. They ran the issue without giving me a choice to be in it or not. I would have waited until it was my time because I understand the magnitude of the cover they chose but I just wasn't given that option and that made me feel violated. I apologize to anybody who took my initial comments out of context because in no way would I ever want to offend the Hoffman family or see myself as bigger than that moment. I am still the same person. Today I was forced out of my character and felt the need to react swiftly. These days are the worst ones. Waking up after a great night in the studio and it's your day to be picked apart. After dwelling on it for a few hours or days you will come to the conclusion that you brought it on yourself almost every time. So here I am having that moment. I once again apologize to everybody who took my cover comments the wrong way. I respect Rolling Stone for being willing to give a kid from Toronto a shot at the cover. I guess this is a day to learn and grow.
Sincerely,
The Boy

You da man still homie your on the cover of all our hearts.. sorry for the rough day and criticism just know we all can understand acting out of character when done wrong.. when no one else feels the pain of sudden bullshit. Just another day at the office right but a day you can look back and learn.. Now back to the music my friend keep making that ovo sound!

Don't let that shit get to you, the press will forever be the press, they strive for moments like this to take advantage and watch you fall ! It's your time now, and nobody else's. You're the rap god at this moment, not Kendrick, not Macklemore. Don't worry about the media scrutinizing you, just stay humble as the kid from Toronto who changed the game 5 years ago ! Kill WYLAT in Europe !!

That Was Amazing. The Fact That You Were Mature And Made A Sincere Gesture And Made This Post Just Makes Me Love You . You Didnt Even Have To Do This But You Did &' Now I Love You Even More Baby. Gohead Tell Em :*

when tempers flare, emotions run wild, they get the best of us, it frustrating when a saying is put out of context and watching and reading from all the drama...it's never as you say it is and at the end of the day, you just say, enough...time to move on, it happens all the time, i'm not mad at you...one day you'll look at this and laugh, it was all but a dream, some instance in the past...and it'll all boil over sooner or later...just keep making music and do what makes you happy and that will reflect itself, the rest is HISTORY.

I applaud you for this. Yesterday was a day to be celebrated. So Far Gone has opened so many doors and it's a shame that on the 5th year of such great art you had to deal with controversy of this Rolling Stone issue. I took the time out and read the interview and it was such a great piece whether there were things you said in it or not.. The big picture is that you've come such a long way. No one refers to you as "the kid from degrassi" any more. No one refers to you as a kid at all. You have tons to be thankful for. So what you didn't get on the cover of Rolling Stone. It's a great Magazine and yeah it would have been great given the fact that you are also on the cover of 'ViBE' but I'm sure that another time will come around. You are still making great music and still out there making great history. Everything you've done so far has been well appreciated by a host of your fans, friends and family members. I'm not sure if you actually read these comments or not but you have nothing to apologize for. But the fact that you did take the time out to do so is a constant reminder that you are different from all these other rappers and celebs in general. Your mother did an exceptional job raising you and I'm sure you make her proud. She has to be your biggest fan and when it's all said and done you've made her more than happy so who cares what these people say. Don't ever stop doing what you're doing and don't ever doubt yourself. I'm a journalist and I look forward to sitting down with you one day so please don't take it out on us all. Some people have hidden agendas but others just want a stronger connection to give your fans through interviews. Take it easy Aubrey and remember yesterday was a day to celebrate so if you didn't do so! 😘

I'm a fucking poor nigger with no morals and/or logic skills. I lack chromosomes and I should honestly just fucking kill myself because everyone hates me and I will never be an anesthesiologist. I'm also a closet faggot who let's my priest shove his dick in my ear until he cums out the other side.

Claimin to have fucked every niggas bitch.Well - we don't believe you, you need more people.

You been in this 6months, I've been in it for 4 - smarten up Nick.3467 posts in 6months nigga, I could divideThat's one every...let's say 2.2 of them shits was due. 1 was "nah," the other was taking OVOnick appreciation thread literally.That's a one-hot-L-every-6month averageWhat you tryna kick, knowledge?lil nigga gon learn to respect the king.

Don't have to let them get in your way, its just stupid media. You have one of the biggest fan bases around. I've been following you since 2006 and you've grown so much. 5th anniversary of So Far Gone is huge because that was your opening into the industry. Well done, much respect to the way you handle yourself and confess your mistakes. - From the kid in PA

The power to choose should have been given to you man as being on the cover is one of the biggest platforms to solidify yourself in history even more...fair enough they chose Mr. Hoffman but a choice should have been given.

To me it just feels like Rolling Stone has it in for you...my opinion.

When I first heard about this story I was seriously shocked at Drake's behavior thinking that there is no way this happened another tabloid bs. But then when I came to realize that this truly happened i felt sad because I thought I knew this artist through his music but I guess I was wrong. This explanation really clears things up and I am glad you can admit your mistakes and learn from them. Keep making great music which is all I ever want to hear. <3

For some reason I feel like you're just being the bigger man, due to your kindness this will probably go hush in no time. Being this is one of you're only times ever being exploited by media you should be proud for how well you've managed to stay out of the spot light considering the actual icon you are. Drake you're the fucking man. I didn't give a fuck about what just happened but when I seen the opening statements to the blog "Tough Dat At The Office" - where you mentioned the anniversary of so far go I was hoping to find a hard as fuck new single! Take Care my brother stay out of the bad media you're better than that and much happier.

u bitched about Kendrick Lamar getting an apology. He never won a Grammy so Macklemore did right. U wanted to take his moonman before. Kanye West could care less even if you did diss his album, nigga. Rolling Stone is a big mag. U defending West to fuck him, Drake. All you rap is about hoes being your queens and how much money you have. The real rappers don't give a fuck if they gaining haters. They hold on to their words and talk about standpoints and what's going on in the world in their music.

I never assume the worst. I read a piece with a very misleading headline but even in that piece the truth was still in there. I am so glad that you wrote this so I don't have to keep cussin folks out over this. All the best to you!

Drake, Nothing Was the Same changed my life completely it also was almost spot on with what I have and had been going through. It really inspired me when I heard someone speaking about the exact same problems that I was having. For example, connect. When you speak about the whole driving late at night to go see a girl, that was me. All last year. I figured I would drop by and say my piece. Keep up the great work. Love it

Just goes to show how closed minded some people can be about your reaction because of your fame. You didn't react any other way than any other human being in your place would've. Famous or not! The only difference is, people are so judgemental and they only see/hear what they want to! In this society of social networking, it's so easy for someone to portray themselves or other people as something completely opposite!

Xoxo it's all good, we knew you come through and can imagine how disappointed you felt when they did that ish to u. Always more opportunities xo we still love ya muah. Don't even stress over it, $h*t happens. You live, you learn. Xo ovoxo

You obviously showed no class saying what you did. Too bad you were replaced by someone/something more important that your stupid ego. I thought you were a decent guy, but unfortunatly you showed your true colors... very immature and rude!

You are an exceptional BLESSED person regardless of what was said or done. I do not know you personally, but I've seen your growth! You are number ONE, and that will never change. Yes, things do happen that we reflect on, but STAY STRONG, HOLD ON, and DO NOT reflect too long. Don't give up or give in to the nonsense. Be encouraged to do what you do best no matter what is going on. Keep God first and I promise everything else will fall in place!! Remember you got this.... And JOY always comes in the morning regardless of what happened yesterday.

To anyone who was actually on your side (i.e. empathizing with you), it was obvious your frustration stemmed from the general Rolling Stone experience. The media -is- evil and it's ridiculous you had to be a scapegoat for PSH's death, even if only for a day or so.

The only people giving you shit are people who never liked you or your music and were looking for a reason to jump down your throat. You've lost no fans in this incident.

If anything this shit just made me like your music more. I don't know why but "Worst Behavior" never sounded better than it did yesterday. Even made a mashup:

Dear Drake,You fucked up! Saying you're sorry and then posting your frustrations with the magazine in the very next sentence is disingenuous. Let go of your ego. This isn't about you. It's about another amazing artist who just died. x

Get a dick, will ya? If you have the balls to say something at least have the balls to stand behind it.And what's that shit about not getting a choice to be in the magazine or not?!?! It's not your magazine so you have NO SAY about content, you spoiled brat.

That is the correct way to go about things , you've rarely had bad media attention and I'd like to see you still head in that direction as to where your avoiding that kind of press , your a very understanding person ..you understand that this man deserves this cover right now and you stepped aside to allow so & they won't even give you your shot when the time is right ? I mean no one could've planned his death so you couldn't of changed anything , in my opinion ..you have worked for your spot &,deserve this , their loss if they can't get their shit together because there's a lot of us would love to see you on that cover

I was thinking what would I do if I were Drake. And I thought a letter was the best choice too. You know, I saw your posts on Twitter and I completely understood what you said. The media was the people who began tripping. And that was after they had been tripping out on you the day before about some Macklemore stuff, which I obvisouly didn't see or hear what you originally said, but I can totally see something being taken out of context by these outlets. This is what they do. I was super surprised to see Yahoo news cover this(the Rolling Stone thing), and they did it in such a tacky way. Some dude that thought he was funny was the broadcaster... it was just dumb because it was bad media (whats that called?)

Anyways... stay up, man. I feel like you are pushing through pudding right now. And regardless how you come out, if you keep your morals, keep your name, you will come out the same. There is nothing to worry about. Don't trip. Stay a man.

I was thinking what would I do if I were Drake. And I thought a letter was the best choice too. You know, I saw your posts on Twitter and I completely understood what you said. The media was the people who began tripping. And that was after they had been tripping out on you the day before about some Macklemore stuff, which I obvisouly didn't see or hear what you originally said, but I can totally see something being taken out of context by these outlets. This is what they do. I was super surprised to see Yahoo news cover this(the Rolling Stone thing), and they did it in such a tacky way. Some dude that thought he was funny was the broadcaster... it was just dumb because it was bad media (whats that called?)

Anyways... stay up, man. I feel like you are pushing through pudding right now. And regardless how you come out, if you keep your morals, keep your name, you will come out the same. There is nothing to worry about. Don't trip. Stay a man.

I was thinking what would I do if I were Drake. And I thought a letter was the best choice too. You know, I saw your posts on Twitter and I completely understood what you said. The media was the people who began tripping. And that was after they had been tripping out on you the day before about some Macklemore stuff, which I obvisouly didn't see or hear what you originally said, but I can totally see something being taken out of context by these outlets. This is what they do. I was super surprised to see Yahoo news cover this(the Rolling Stone thing), and they did it in such a tacky way. Some dude that thought he was funny was the broadcaster... it was just dumb because it was bad media (whats that called?)

Anyways... stay up, man. I feel like you are pushing through pudding right now. And regardless how you come out, if you keep your morals, keep your name, you will come out the same. There is nothing to worry about. Don't trip. Stay a man.

Your childishness is astounding. It is not up to you to "choose" whether any publication runs a story on you. That decision belongs to the Editors and Publishers. Rolling Stone is not your personal PR playground and incredibly arrogant of you to assume so.

Rolling Stone is a prominent cover. Honestly, any major artist who wasn't featured on the cover but their story & their pictures were used on the inside would feel the same way you did. Had I been in your position I would have asked to pull my part out of the magazine. You owe no one an apology for bring honest.

At the end of the day R.S was wrong on their part!! Your still the man that you are and don't need no mag to prove that. . F**k them, keep doing what you do best. A lot of people out here admire you for you. You shouldn't have to apologize for nothing. .

you should be glad rolling stones even let you in the fucking magazine. it still blows me away how you have so many fans. i fucking hate your character, but i respect your game. keep making money, but count your blessings

You are literally the sweetest person ever! This post just shows how mature and strong you are to rewrite you're wrongs! In regards to the Rolling Stone's cover, anyone would have done what you did in you're position. You were confused and surprised by the sudden change. You reacted off of emotions, which is a human thing to do! We congratulate you on your success and know that this is just the beginning. You're only going to get bigger from here! I LOVE you so much and would like to thank you for... Just being as wonderful as you are! You're a great person don't ever forget that. Congratulations on "So Far Gone" turning 5 and have a wonderful Valentine's Day with the ones you love. Never forget that we love and will always support you NO matter what! OVO<3

All these commenters are sycophants. This was a lame duck "apology". You opened your mouth, fucked up and offended a lot of people in the process. Make no excuses for your behaviour, man. Like you said about Macklemore, own your shit. And think twice before you speak next time around.

Lol at the people on here telling him how wrong he is... HE UNDERSTANDS THAT and that is exactly why he posted this letter! I am sorry that you don't approve of his apology but frankly, I don't think he cares! He got off his chest what he needed and he has people that support him and love him! Take you and you're negative off of HIS BLOG if you don't agree with him!

As usual, you are very articulate. Best wishes for a great future, outside of the usual trappings of life. Dont take the Rolling Stone and stuff too seriously, never read it. At the end of the day, what I see is your soul, if you will let me.

Nigga you got some nerve talking about Kanye with that corny ass A B C line on your album.im sure all the 16 year olds loved that shit tho. Have a seat. And I think you have some sorta attention whore seeking complex going on. World doesn't revolve around u asshole. that's why kendricklamar & macklemore are better. RIP. Hoffman

Calling yourself "The Boy" is laughable. Nothing about this "apology" is genuine, clearly it was written by a PR person as you are incapable of knowing what half of what these words mean. Your douchey, SELF-ENTITLED remarks about not being on the cover reflect your immaturity level. You and Beiber are disgraces to the music industry. Go the f*ck back 2 Canada, you ignorant douche.

Drizzy me understand yuh situation, we all react in the moment, clarification is always good... But who eva did take wah yuh say outa context is just plain foolish. We learn from everyday situations, and yes we continue to grow and learn.The boy is the MAN

aye you dont have to apologize your completely right. i honestly dont care about this hoffman guy. i recently seen him in hunger games. that's about it. people need to stop lieing to themselves to fit in to this society.

Yo Sup Bro, Yeah as a Person who has had my ideas and lyrics ripped off & used without permission I fully, beyond fully understand how you feel, though you were not being ripped off in that way im sure you feel you was in a sense however. Something that was yours so to speak was used or not used without you knowing. Hey but at least your not a single mom struggling everyday and you have to hear your lyrics on the mainstream radio while you work a dead end job!! Like they tell me welcome to the music industry Right??? Ya Girl Erika Monrap @ebeezybaabi3

This is all bullshit!! Drake screwed up and nothing he can say now is going to matter. It is very apparent that this "apology" is nothing more than him trying to not look like the total piece of s*** that he is!!

This isn't how Canadians are supposed to act. Grow the fuck up. Are you seriously whining over the loss of a cover shot? DIDN'T YOU TO TO CRANBROOK? THATS A PRIVATE SCHOOL. #primadonna #degrassigonnadegrassi

hope you have a better day at the office soon. and of course, come to accept that the decision that was made is NOT a reflection of your relative value. it was a reflection of a much larger issue. and not just hoffman's death, but, the tragedy of lives lost to drug addiction. my humble O.

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I have no idea who you are or what you do (because I am old), but you should not have been replaced on the cover of a magazine by an overdosing junkie who chose drugs over his children and left them behind. You should absolutely NOT be apologizing now for having the balls to say what everyone else is thinking. So let's celebrate that honesty and not this guy's suicide. Don't ever let anyone tell you not to speak your mind.

Takes a lot to admit when you're wrong, so kudos for being able to do that. Agree about RS, they could have pushed the article to the next issue. What was the rush? Anyway, everyone says shit they don't mean when they're angry, and the media always spins stuff to the most controversial angle, because that's what sells. If anything, this shows what a stand-up guy Drake is if this is his big "tabloid controversy". That said, did "Almost Famous" teach you nothing? Watch that movie again, the press is the "enemy", never say anything to a RS reporter that you don't want printed.

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Aubrey, you make your fans proud of you everyday. Getting emotional about something means that you really care about something. This is a sincere apology and don't mind the press. They can say what they want to say. We know who you truly are! <3

We all have times when we feel that our good deeds will be appreciated but when they don't emotions get involved. This just ammunition for your gun of success. They always wanna see you fall.keep ya head up

You've revealed yourself to be inexcusably selfish, at least to a fan (or someone who USED to be a fan) such as myself.

The man fucking DIED, and died horribly- in his bathroom, in his underwear, with a needle sticking out of his arm. And, thus ends the life of an incredible actor, with two young children. This, then is his legacy as, from now on... there will be NOTHING more from him. He has, in effect- CEASED- TO- BE!!!

You, on the other hand, aren't even 28 years old. You have your ENTIRE LIFE AHEAD OF YOU!! That you should put your own selfish sense of entitlement (WHY NOT just be happy that you've got a goddamn Rolling Stone article???) ahead of another persons worthy and deserved legacy is, to me, inexcusable.

You've shown us all, with this (well, ME, at least, but my opinions are as valid as those of any of your rabid defenders)- an incredible amount of both insensitivity and ego... and shame on you. I can't look at you the same way ever again.

I have read the interview 3 times and Don't see why there needs to be an apology given ?Whatever I missed I still love you Aubrey Drake Graham!I love you for the vulnerable and humble man you have grown to be!